Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 4th September 2023

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), and low testosterone have become a hot topic in recent years as people become more aware of the importance of good health and prioritising themselves. When you think of testosterone, you probably picture bodybuilders in the gym with huge muscles. Unfortunately, people who misuse testosterone have given it a bad name, but testosterone plays a really important role in maintaining optimal health. If left untreated, low testosterone can impact your heart health, bone health and can increase risk of other age-related health issues. But can you get testosterone replacement therapy in the UK? Is it available on the NHS?

Symptoms of low testosterone 

As with any other condition, low testosterone is usually discovered after a person notices symptoms. Low testosterone is much more common in men than in women, though some women can experience it too. Low testosterone levels may show in some of the following symptoms: 

- Low libido 

- Fatigue 

- Results in the gym harder are to maintain than before 

- Irritable mood 

- Sleep problems (insomnia) 

- Hair loss 

- Increase in body fat 

- Low mood, and even depression

What causes low testosterone? 

As we age, all our hormone levels decrease. This is one possible cause of low testosterone. Others include lifestyle (poor sleep, diet, not enough exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption), issues with the pituitary gland, injuries to the testicles, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain medications like steroids, and more. 

Can I ask my doctor for a testosterone test in the UK? 

If you have the symptoms of low testosterone it may be best to seek advice from your GP or healthcare provider. You can request a testosterone test to check your levels. If your GP thinks this may be the cause, a blood test will be carried out. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to get this test through your GP. If your doctor does order a testosterone test, this will usually involve taking a sample of blood using a small needle from a vein in your elbow. This will look for the amount of testosterone in the blood.

What does testosterone replacement therapy do? 

TRT, sometimes referred to as androgen replacement therapy, is a way of treating low testosterone by topping up the levels of hormone in the blood to what is considered ‘normal’. The benefits of TRT include: 

- Better results in the gym 

- More energy 

- Improved libido 

- Better quality sleep 

- Improved lean muscle mass 

- Improved cardiovascular health 

- Better mood 

- Better bone density 

Can you get testosterone replacement therapy in the UK? 

The good news is that, yes, you can get testosterone replacement therapy in the UK. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it’s important to seek help and not put up with the symptoms. Getting help means enjoying a better quality of life.

Finding a TRT clinic 

When considering TRT, it’s important to think about your options. Your GP should be able to help, but there is another option – a private clinic. There are hormone clinics across the UK specialising in testosterone and other hormones, and their expertise can give you invaluable insight into your health. As with any medical treatment, side effects can happen, so it’s essential that you feel confident in your chosen clinic’s ability to manage this. When choosing a hormone clinic, look at their experience, and their approach to treatment to make sure it feels like a good fit for you.

If you want testosterone replacement therapy in the UK there are a few things you’ll need to consider. We explain everything you need to know about TRT.